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New Jury System (EntryThingy) offers more than just jury

Posted by Barry Witt on February 3, 2010 at 12:49pm

A gallery of the works and info about the work of participating artists.This new feature benefits the Festival, the patrons and our participating artists.Another wonderful thing, there is no additional cost to the show or the artist.Great for the patrons who want to find an artist they saw at the event.Check it out at:http://artinusa.com/bonita/artist_gallery_jan_10.htmWorth passing on to the show directors you meet in your travels.

Awards - 2010 January Bonita Springs National Art Festival

Posted by Barry Witt on February 3, 2010 at 12:30pm

Award winners at New Smyrna Beach's IMAGES

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 3, 2010 at 9:00am

Congratulations to the prize winners at New Smyrna last weekend. This show is very generous with prize money and as such draws some excellent participants. TOP FESTIVAL AWARDS: · Best of Show ($5,000 Award): William Kidd, Miramar; ceramics · George and June Musson Award ($2,500 Award): John Kreiger, Midland, Mich.; painting/watercolor · Award of Excellence ($1,500 Award): Nathalie Torres, Kissimmee; mixed-media AWARDS OF DISTINCTION ($800 award): · Vadim Malkin, Maitland; ceramics · Sandy Lent, Lake Mary; glass · Wiwat Kamolporniwijit, Alexandria, Va.; jewelry · Judi Wood, West Palm Beach; fiber/leather AWARD OF COMMENDATION ($500 Award): · Jason Hunt, Orlando; graphics/drawing · Michael Bryant; Atlanta; photography · Robert Kastrinos; Orlando, ceramics · Jinsong Kim, Mims; ceramics · Terry Habeger, Markesan, Wis.; ceramics · Steve Howell, Gainesville; ceramics JUDGES CHOICE ($350 Award): · Holly Hambrick, Ormond Beach; mixed media · Ummarid Eitharong, Orlando; mixed media · Leah Dziewit, Maple City, Mich.; fiber · John Kellum, Orlando; ceramics · Bill and Jon Slade, Jacksonville; glass AWARD OF MERIT ($250 Award): · Jack Hill, Beverly Hills, FL; sculpture · Dan Hay, Frostproof; fine crafts · Magali Groves, Orlando; fine crafts · Lloyd Cheney, Palm Bay; wood · Matthew Hatala, Danielsville, Ga. · Lou McMurray, Dunedin; wood · Laurie Coppedge, Jacksonville Beach; photography · Paul M. Stevens, Achilles, Va.; photography · Richard Currier, Micco; painting · Carolyn Currie, New Milford, Ct.; painting · Robert Wince, Daytona Beach; painting · Bill McCamish, Three Oaks, Mich. AWARD OF HONOR ($200 Award): · Jeff Ripple, Naples; photography · Michael Myers, Jacksonville Beach · Michel Delgado, Key West; painting · Teresa and Robert Nilsson, Pensacola; jewelry · Patricia Karnes, Winter Park; jewelry · Marc and Wendy Zoschke, Springfield, Ill.; jewelry Thanks to the NewsJournalOnline.com for this information

R.I.P. - Howard Zinn, an optimist in the face of reality

Posted by Connie Mettler on February 2, 2010 at 5:30pm

"Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment (beware of such moments!) but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society. We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. Even when we don't "win," there is fun and fulfillment in the fact that we have been involved, with other good people, in something worthwhile. We need hope. An optimist isn't necessarily a blithe, slightly sappy whistler in the dark of our time. To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places--and there are so many--where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory," - Howard Zinn. Read the rest of this article: The Optimism of Uncertainty," The Nation, 2004.

Key West Craft Show

Posted by Bonnie Eastwood on February 1, 2010 at 10:04am

Great weather, wonderful to be in the Keys, I go back the end of February for the Art Show. This was just fair for most I talked to. Long way to go. No cruise ships in. My customers were long time Key West residence, who were out and enjoying the show. So if you love Key West give it a shot, it is well run with space for parking a couple of blocks from the show. Just a lovely show all in all. I am off to Ft Myers next week, I'll let you know. Pray for great weather, we all remember Cape Coral.

Kumquat Festival, 2010

Posted by Bill Sargent on January 31, 2010 at 8:00pm

Look, folks.. this is small town America. If Norman Rockwell were alive today he'd jump at the chance of setting up his easel in the main intersection of this show. Off duty firemen and rescue workers show up in their dress uniforms to mingle with an admiring crowd. It is the only show we've seen where people stop where they are and pledge allegiance toward the flag as they play the National Anthem. Older gentlemen parade their antique garden tractors for the delighted onlookers. The kumquat pies and cookies sell shortly after noon, so ya'll better get there early. Miss Kumquat, Miss Kumquat Blossom, Miss Kumquat Bud, Miss Kumquat Blossom, etc. (the list seems to grow each year) will pose with you for snapshots on request. This alone is worth the trip. We've been doing this show in Dade City, Florida for years and it is our very favorite. Money isn't everything, but a thousand bucks for getting up at three in the morning, driving thirty miles, and then getting back home in time to have dinner the same night at a nice restaurant afterward make for a rewarding (albeit long) day. This year the show started out with the largest crowds we have ever seen here. When the predicted rains hit they didn't go away. They just sprouted umbrellas. The fact that the rain was expected and it was very light didn't hurt. I also have to admit I ran a business in Dade City for almost thirty years before selling out to restart my art show career that I had begun in 1978, The show is extremely well organized. Setup is said to be at six AM without exception, but those arriving early kind of creep in, park way toward the edge of the street, and start dumping their stuff on the median out of the way of traffic. As soon as the traffic barricades go up on the end of the strip you can set up your tent. They really appreciate it if you're out of there as soon as you offload, but they don't make a federal case out of it. Although no one is quite sure why, the show attracts crowds of about 40,000 in one day. Imagine a county fair without rides or livestock.. but people show up in droves anyway. Just exactly what is a kumquat? If you don't see fit to come to the festival to find out I'm not going to tell you. As for us, we brought home three bags of them. We also bought two kumquat trees last year which have fruit on them as I speak.

My Art on Display- JamArt by Kenneth Harris

Posted by Kenneth Harris on January 31, 2010 at 3:22pm

Hey everyone, check out my art on display at the Clarion Hotel, Altamonte Springs FL in the Waterfall Cafe. If you are in the area stop by and check it out!

Our Code of Conduct

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 31, 2010 at 2:00pm

Everyone is welcome here at Art Fair Insiders. Together we're building a friendly, worldwide community of people who are involved in the business of art fairs: artists, art fair organizers and art fair patrons.

In order to encourage community interaction the following guidelines outline how everyone is expected to behave. Abiding by these guidelines will help our community and our individual careers flourish. Additionally, failure to follow the guidelines below will result in being banned from the network.

1. Be Nice Presume the best, not the worst when others disagree with you. No one is here at Art Fair Insiders by accident - they are just as interested as you are in sharing information. Like email, text-based forum messages lose a lot of the nuance that face-to-face communication provides. So members should be sure to give the "benefit of the doubt" to others intentions when interacting.

2. No personal attacks, no name calling.

3. Be Generous Share your expertise and others will share with you, too. The collective wisdom in this group is huge. Share your knowledge and you'll soon benefit from returned favors, too. (You'll also see that the most popular member contributors to the community will be recognized publicly!)

4. Be Ethical Art Fair Insiders was started to put artists in touch with each other in order to further their professional growth and help them succeed in the art fair business. Anyone taking advantage of the free discourse on the site will be banned from the community.

Please stay on topic and don't hijack a blog or discussion for your own ends. Start a new one.

5. No Sales Pitches Please consider this a "Pitch Free Zone" where everyone can have fun together. So please no sales pitches, affiliate links, or blatant self-promotion. If you have a product, service, or event that you would like to promote to the community, please visit the Forum to post in the Classifieds section or contact Connie about advertising on the site.

That's it. The presumption is that everyone here is an adult and will behave like one.

P.S. In case you missed this Code of Conduct resides permanently at this link: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/page/code-of-conduct

Happy Anniversary,Nels: Saw a Naked Cowboy

Posted by Nels Johnson on January 27, 2010 at 5:30pm

Well, it was a year ago today that I joined this site and started blogging.In case many of you missed it, I am rewriting my second blog: It was Superbowl Weekend in Tampa and I saw the Naked Cowboy--it has always been one of my favorites--hope you enjoy it--Nels.SAW A NAKED COWBOYIts Superbowl week in YborCity. I was having lunch at Carmines on Seventh Avenue.I live in Ybor City one block off the main drag. I was eating my black beans and a crab roll--ok, and also a little Patron Tequila and who strums by in his BVDs--the Naked Cowboy. In case you have not heard, this dude has been strolling around the USA in his BVDs--singing on his guitar--and stopping to let people take his pic.He is cuter than he is a singer. So there he is in Ybor riding the Superbowl wave.It will be interesting tomorrow to see if he is still in his BVDs singing since it is only going to be a high of 55 and windy.It seems everybody who has a scheme to make money has descended on Tampa this week.Its crazy,I wonder why Howard does not have a show here this week.Oh well, I get to miss the Superbowl and travel to New Smyrna Beach tomorrow and set up in chilly windy temps and then hope people come out to buy. (I made $600.00 that weekend.)Aren't I lucky. OK here is a little addition( by now, I had gone home and seen the little woman, and she filled me full of insight).She says,"You figure you are a photographer-WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A PICTURE OF THE NAKED PHOTOGRAPHER?" Well, when I go to Carmines I bring a book and not a camera. But to describe him accurately,He was six-foot,well muscled,well tanned, hair blonde down to his waist, and he had a cowboy hat on with cowboy boots and CLEAN BVDs on that were skin tight. My wife, Ellen Marshall-a painter on the circuit that some of you know (and may not forgive, now that she has crossed over to the DARK SIDE) had a curious question. She wanted to know if he was wearing a jock strap? Well, STUPID ME--I am eating crab and swilling tequila, and I was not close enough to evaluate such a close measure of manliness. Oh well, next time I will bring my camera. Aloha, Nels.And from that episode was the humle beginnings of the Tequila Report--Happy Anniversary Nels

Call for Artists: Prairie Village Art Show in Kansas

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 27, 2010 at 5:00pm

June 4, 5 & 6
54th Year
Prairie Village, Kansas
100 Artists
Application online at:
www.Zapplication.org
Deadline: February 15

The Prairie Village Art Show is not located on a prairie but in the heart of the Kansas City metro area and surrounded by upper income demographics. It is celebrating its 54th year and is the second oldest show in the city. It is ranked in the Top 100 art shows by Art Fair Sourcebook. The show is well attended and draws patrons from the entire metropolitan area.

This show is small with only 100 artists but they come from all parts of the country. The Sourcebook says that Prairie Village, "attracts an affluent and educated clientele."

What to Expect:

20,000 Upper Income patrons
24 Hour Security
Electricity available
Friday Night Wine
Saturday Night Dinner delivered to booth
Artist's lounge with restrooms, snacks and air conditioning
Parking nearby and overnight parking allowed
Discounted Hotel Rates
Booth sitters

The Village in Prairie Village is one of those "lifestyle" shopping areas,
intimate enough for ease of shopping yet anchored by well-known names
such as Macy's and Starbucks with lots of restaurants. Does it sound as
though your clientele will be showing up here? Then you know what to do.

Application online at zapplication.org

For more info visit prairievillageshops.com or contact Donna Potts 913-362-9668.

Ready to Make the Switch from Artist to Administrator?

Posted by Connie Mettler on January 27, 2010 at 10:29am

An email from a friend today, discouraged with sales at art fairs, said that a lot of his friends were thinking of applying for census jobs. Yes, that might be a useful alternative, but have you considered all of the administrative skills you have been honing over the years? Here are two recent job postings from two important art/craft organizations: 1. The American Craft Council is seeking qualified candidates to apply for the position of Executive Director. The next Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to lead and sustain the American Craft Council through an exciting new phase of the Council's history. With the relocation to Minneapolis, this chief executive will dynamically and strategically lead the future vitality, relevance, and impact of the Council. As a nonprofit, membership-centric organization, the Executive Director is accountable to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for the execution of the strategic plan and development and implementation of the programs, policies, and practices of the Council. Within that framework, the Executive Director is responsible for the management and development of approximately 15 employees and a budget of $6 million. Specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for strategic direction, external relationships and fundraising, board and executive committee relations, membership growth and development, spokesperson and public relations, and administration. This position is located in Minneapolis, MN (relocation from New York City to be completed by July 2010). For a complete job description and how to apply, click here. Please pass this along and/or share it with your constituents. Expressions of interest and/or recommendations will be held in confidence and should be sent via email to: ACC@kornferry.com 2. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - Office & Special Programs Manager The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is seeking a highly motivated individual to take charge of office administration and oversee operations and special programs for a major national visual art fair. Basic bookkeeping and event management experience required. An interest in the arts is desirable. Applicants should visit the Fair's web site at www.artfair.org for an overview of the event and activities. To apply, send resume and cover letter by January 29, 2010 to:mriley@artfair.org Subject: Office - Program Manager Search. For more information, click here.

Suncoast.. come on, cross your fingers and kiss the frog

Posted by Bill Sargent on January 27, 2010 at 10:00am

We had an OK show at the Suncoast festival at Wiregrass. The prize money was worth shooting for if you're that kind of artist. When it comes to the taste of the judges, it's the same everywhere.. one year it's sunsets and puppy dogs. The next year it's dark, non-representational esoterica.There were many more people at the Wiregrass location in Wesley Chapel than at the old Longleaf location. The income level in that part of the state is high for Florida and will continue to be that way. There are many well paid professionals in that crowd. Right now construction has slowed, but the increase in new housing has been explosive in the last several years and this will pick up again as the economy comes back.It's true that regardless of income, most folks coming to a mall are prepared to buy an ice cream cone, a burrito, or a new refrigerator magnet. Although the organizers work hard to publicize the show, the sudden appearance of an art show at the mall is a surprise to most of the crowd and anyone who has done Disney will understand this.Our sales, although better than last year, were not spectacular, but we did turn a profit. A new artist who had just started doing shows in October had sales of about $1300. Most were lucky to make expenses. We had a neighbor who made clocks out of antique CD's and purses out of old record album covers. At least two of the judges spent more time at their booth than they did at ours. The guy was quite a talker, however. His CD clocks sold quite well.We will give this show a chance in the future. The organizers work hard, the setup is easy, and teardown was no problem. The $2000 best of show is not bad for a small show and the list of sponsors was impressive. It's been better each year.Although they started out saying you could not bring in your vehicle until your display was completely torn down, organized into neat piles, and certified ready by a volunteer.. they ended up walking each vehicle to the artist's booth and allowed loading up while tearing down. It went quite smoothly.I would not cancel a Coconut Grove or Winter Park to do this show, but if you live nearby or need a show to connect the dots in your travels, look into this one. A photographer friend said he was having a great time because the entry fee was reasonable, he didn't expect much, and anything he made over entry fee was fine. He wound up with 3K. Another friend did more like $350.

Market Square Art Fair at the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville, TN April 2010

Posted by Ynon Mabat on January 26, 2010 at 8:38pm

I would appreciate any info about this show, Thanks

Here's How I'm achieving My Goals

Posted by Jackie Jacobson on January 26, 2010 at 2:46pm

I thought I knew how to create a goal.I'd think it.I'd write it.I'd keep my focus on it.And then I took a teleseminar from the Goal Diva, and I learned I didn't even know what a goal was. So I wrote a blog post about what I learned and where I learned it.I'm sharing, because it's my time to pay if forward.CHECK IT OUT HEREEnjoy, Jackie

This show was at a great location, their own at Longleaf

Posted by Bonnie Eastwood on January 26, 2010 at 8:20am

Just stick to it and build a show as an art show, moving a show never works well, and never to a shopping mall or plaza. Advertise, keep the fee reasonable to attract local artists. I personally think the shows need a boost to attract folks, my suggestion is demonstrations, maybe even a class right at the show. The artist's need to make money, bottom line, this show is run by the art league, I know a few of them could put that together. I think it would also give the Moog Rd art center a boost. Did the pottery class have a display there to advertise classes? Wouldn't hurt to fill a class and get folks excited about art. Speaking of the Moog Rd art center, why is the little gift shop full of what we all call buy-sell, show and sell the work of the artists, I thought that is what you were supposed to be about. Just my opinion after 30 years doing shows. By the way I was in Sebatian Inlet, run by an artist for 90. dollars and it was wonderful. Sorry, I do not believe shopping centers work. Review any really sucessful show, they are not in a shopping center. Well I take that back how about a downtown show in the streets or park.

Walking Zombies At Suncoast Arts Fest

Posted by Michael Lee on January 25, 2010 at 2:02pm

This show boast that 70,000 people come to it. Yes that may be true but of that 70,000 only a very few come to buy art. The rest are walking through on their way to the mall stores. I really wanted this to be a great show but The patrons had no intention of buying from the artist. The set up was easy, the volunteers were great, the booth had about 5ft of space on each side so you can use the sides for display space.Plenty of parking what more could an artist ask for? Well buyers would help for one. This was certainly not the fault of the promoter. I can not speak for everyone but the people around me were loosing just as bad as I was. I am an oil painter and I have lots of different price points none of which seemed to be cheap enough.I survived by selling prints just enough to make back my booth fee but not enough to cover expenses. I did not sell one original I thought I came close but the when it came time to swipe the card people seemed to turn into a zombie and walk away like they never even considered making a purchase. Lets put it this way my largest single sale was $34.00The only things I saw walking by my booth were items from the stores i.e pottery barn, coach, JC Penny etc. I do not think it was a lack of money by any means. It was more a lack of interest in anything hand made. My last two shows in Fl have been really bad. So bad I am loosing money just being here. I sure hope it s better for others than me. I have Deerfield Beach show next. Last year was ok but I blamed it on the economy if this year turns out to be as good as last year at least I will be able to make expenses and hopefully have enough gas money to get home.I hope others are having better luck than me. My fall shows were strong and I thought things were improving but at this point I am not sure. Please reply and let us all know how things are going so far.

Creativeness over mass production.

Posted by Larry Jelf on January 23, 2010 at 10:30pm

Because I was not trying to make a living at my pottery I could spend time experimenting with many interesting techniques. To me, the wheel was just another tool. I liked to cut, twist, beat, * apply or any other method to alter the appearance of the thrown piece. Some very fine teachers were greatly responsible for my learning. I then tried to push even further. I composed my own bodies at first but when I opened my own gallery decided that I either had to make clay or pottery and chose the latter. Age and health forced me to close the gallery after four years. However, I did make my own porcelain and loved using it. I compounded my own glazes, later starting to compound my own crystalline glazes, using them on my porcelain. I loved using the crystalline glazes, too.I also had a curiosity about the effects of natural ingredients in my glazes.I have a bowl that I threw from clay that came from 11000 feet under the Atlantic due to the kindness of Woods Hole.My advice to newbies or veterans is to try it. If you don't try something you'll never know if it will work. Also, read everything you can get your hands on! To throw pottery but buy your glazes is sacriledge to me. They go hand in hand. When I wrote this I didn't think that I bought my clay later in my career. There are hopefully, two photos in my photos section showing some of my specialized tools I discussed.** These are nothing more than caster wheels with a number of filed slots in them and a wire handle. See photo to left of duscussion. I have tried to show these tools but the only way I can get them shown is by replacing my own photo. I wanted to display the tools in one spot only so I could refer to them. They are my work but I wouldn't consider them art work.

Art Business Resources - Here's my picks!

Posted by Michelle Sholund on January 23, 2010 at 11:00am

Connie Metler, after seeing the blog asked me to repost this here as both her and I feel it is timely and may help those who are new and old to the business.Looking for Art Business Resources? Here's my picks!It's a New Year - Happy New Year everyone! As with each New Year, I think it is the time we look at changing habits, looking for answers and advice on how to make things better, right? Today I am going to share some of my favorite resources I keep handy regarding art/craft business. Please note I am not paid to mention any of the following resources and they are in no particular order.1. Niche Magazine. This is a fantastic publication the helps unite retailers and craft artists offering advice regarding keeping great employees, market trends, wholesale show information, issues raised by retailers that artists should know, as well as business tips. It is put out by The Rosen Group the same group that is behind the Philadelphia Buyers Market of Art/Craft and the publication American Style. A quick Google search for Niche magazine will help you learn more about the publication as well as how to get your hands on a copy.2. The Art and Craft Show Yellow Pages. This is also a publication and it comes out every quarter and focuses on art/craft show listings throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. It also offers great advice for people who do art and craft fairs such as tips on attracting customers into your booth, organizing tips, financial tips (such as getting ready for tax time as well as insurance help) and much more. This publication isn't on newsstands, but available through the website www.smartfrogs.com .3. The Crafts Report. Another good publication is the Crafts Report magazine which can be found via some news stands and via their website. The Crafts Report covers a wide gambit such as photographing tips, regional vignettes, highlights art galleries and artists, chock full of art business tips, reporting on wholesale shows, art and craft shows, and more. Something of note - I was a freelance writer for Crafts Report and was happy to be apart of the magazine during its transition time. They are still working out the kinks to increase viewership, but the last few issues have churned out some great articles - for this reason I do recommend checking it out again if you are some that were turned off by them in the past.4. ArtFairInsiders.com . This website is a social network for art fair artists and crafts people. It just celebrated their 1 year anniversary in November and is growing like wildfire. I am lucky to be one of the people who regularly gives free advice and tips regarding doing art fairs - booth tips, customer service, finding shows, and most importantly review shows. I keep coming back to this site due to the wonderful networking opportunities as I am learning something new each time I am on the site as well as the feedback given regarding well detailed art fair reviews.5. "How to Start a Homebased Craft Business" by Kenn Oberrecht. I use this book off and on as a great resource for all things people need to know in order to run a home based business. Advice includes dealing with taxes and insurance, marketing your products via the web and shows, setting up a computer system, writing a business plan and why it is important to have one, marketing survey, and so much more. This book with others are available via Amazon.com as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders. I highly recommend looking at them first - via a book store or library - to ensure the information is right for you.6. "Handmade for Profit" by Barbara Brabec. This is kinda the bible on how to start your own craft business. I use it a lot as even though it is a guide on how to start a business it covers so much more. I also recommend all of Ms. Brabec's books - she has about 4-5 of them, her advice is spot on. Do check out her website as she offers newsletters and advice via her site too.7. "Crafting a Business" by Wendy Rosen. Did you know Wendy Rosen, the founder of The Rosen Group wrote her own book too? If you are looking to get into selling at retail and wholesale shows it is THE BEST book around. It offers advice on applying to events, customer relations, pricing, product development, and how to get free publicity. The downfall is some of the information is dated (in the resource area of the book), but all in all very timely advice. I use this book often - even today - because of the personal stories used to back up the advice, the sample sheets for writing up outlines of understanding(and other sheets) are something I refer back to as my business grows and new things need to be incorporated into my own applications.8. Sunshine Artists. A great publication that offers tips and listings of art shows around the country. There are some great reviews of shows and it does offer great advice too. What is great about this publication is it publishes a yearly review of the top 100 art fairs in the country as complied by surveys by readers and non-readers who sell at these shows.9. Bruce Baker's Cd's on Booth Design, Customer Service and Jury Slides. I love Baker's cd's as the advice given is amazing, revolutionizing the way artists think when it comes to doing shows. The advice is well organized and to the point (and I might add he covers everything). I often listen to his cd's as each time you hear it you pick up on something new and at the same time gets you in a motivated mindset if you listen to one on route to a show. The best tips are how to deal with negativity if it enters your booth, quips on how to deal with "I can buy that at Wal-Mart", and ideas on how to make your booth stand out from your competition at shows - for starters. Of these cd's I have 5 cd's on Dyanamic Sales and Customer Service Techniques as well as 4 on Booth Design and Merchandising (never opened) on hand right now! If anyone is interested in buying one or two from me they retail for $15, but I am selling them for $10 each (plus $4.50 for shipping and handling). If you want one please contact me via my website www.bythebaybotanicals.com and use the email form on my contact page to let me know which cd you are interested in. I accept major credit cards and checks and can send it to you the same day.I am hoping this information as well as all of my advice has and will continue to help you all in this new year as well as years to come. Feel free to share any other resources you like and others should know about via the comment button on my blog or here on artfairinsiders.com .Again, Happy New Year, Michelle

2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling

Posted by Funky Finds on January 22, 2010 at 10:10am

The 2nd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling is an indie craft fair to be held on March 13 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.The event will feature the work of over 120 artists, crafters & designers from various states. The first 50 attendees to purchase a minimum of five $1.00 raffle tickets will receive a hand-crafted swag bag full of goodies.All raffle proceeds benefit the Humane Society of North Texas and CASA of Tarrant County. The FREE indoor event is family and pet-friendly!

San Diego Artwalk

Posted by MICHAEL ALAN STIPEK on January 21, 2010 at 10:05am

I tried to get this note posted months ago about the San Diego Artwalk, which takes place in late April. Yes, Connie is right about their publicity, etc., but there is a downside to this show. I talked to two of the directors at the Peoria NAIA conference last Sept. I had a lot of questions to ask about the show, because I wanted to apply to it; it's near where I grew up.According to the directors, they get about 1,000 applicants for about 300 booth locations; previously accepted artists get precedence in acceptance over new applicants; previously exhibiting artists get preferential booth placements over first-time artists; the main street on which the festival takes place doesn't hold all of the booths, so overflow goes onto side streets, which doesn't get near the foot traffic of the main drag; and - the kicker - first time accepted artists usually get the side streets. In my opinion, you have to lose money the first year or two until you move up to the main traffic flow - if you have a product that sells. Take a close look at the images posted by the previous artists and the images posted by the show about the festival itself. If you think your work fits into this world, go for it. Enjoy San Diego in the spring, it can be quite lovely, with warm weather, lots of flowers, moderate temps and few, if any storms. Or, just fly out there and have a real vacation without doing any shows!Mike Stipek

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.